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Activities in Ecuador
Here is a short list of things to do in Ecuador. Perfect for volunteers during their weeks off or for travelers looking for inspiration.If you would like more information about any of the actvities listed below then contact us. If you know of any other activities to do in Ecuador then let us know!
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White Water Rafting
Length of trip: around 4hrs
Number of People: Max of 8 per raft
Included: Transport, all equipment, raft, lunch, trained guide
Description: Customers are collected in Banos and taken in a 4x4 or mini-bus to a embarkment point for the Pastaza River 45mins away. A full briefing is provided (In English) and participants are provided with safety gear and equipment. From here the raft follows the rapids of the Arajuno river (between grades 2 and 3 depending on year) for around an hour and a half. After the rafting lunch is provided at a local restaurant and then particiapants are taken back to to Banos in the mini-bus.
Banos to Puyo Bike Ride
Retail cost: $25
Lenth of trip: full day
Included: Bike, helmet, return transport to Banos
Description: Bike and equipment is collected in Banos. Participants are directed onto the main Banos - Puyo road (map not needed), road winds through the mountains and valleys of the lower Andes and into the Rainforest. Total distance is 60Km but nearly all downhill. Trip includes the deep valleys of the Pastaza river, the Pastaza dam, 6 tunnels and various stop-offs along the way including waterdalls and cable car rides across the river. Once in Puyo the a mini bus takes participants back to Banos.
2 Day Jungle Trek
Retail cost: $50
Lenth of trip: 2 Days (one night)
Included: All food, equipment (excluding sleeping bags and water), guides and transport
Description: Participants are taken into the Amazon Jungle from Puyo, and spend the first day discovering the wonders of the jungle and crossing rivers and dense jungle. Once at camp participants help the guides construct a shelter out of the leaves and branches, and build a fire. Guides prepare a meal on the fire. The following day the trek continues through the jungle giving participants to swing from jungle vines and learn about survival in the Amazon. A mini bus will pick up the participants and return them to Puyo.
Hiking up Cotopaxi
Retail cost: $100 - $150
Lenth of trip: 1 Day (spanning one night)
Included: All food, climbing equipment (excluding sleeping bags and water), guides and extra clothing
Description: Cotopaxi is the worlds second largest active volcano. After being taken through the national park to the parks refuge participants are taken up to a nearby glacier for some ice climbing training. Returning to the refuge for some food, participants rest until midnight, before being taken by an experienced guide up to the sumit of the volcano. The trip normally takes no longer than 6 hours up large slopes of snow and ice. Views span for hundreds of miles across the Andes and it is possible to see into crater of one of Ecuadors active volcanoes.
Horseriding around a Volcano
Retail cost: $5 - $6 per hour
Lenth of trip: 1 - 6 hours
Included: Guides, horses and equipment
Description: Many people in Ecuador still use horses as transport, to carry products and work on the land. Horseriding around Banos through the beautiful countryside and around the volcano will give you the chance to feel Ecuadorian for a day. Make sure your guide knows your experience and ability, and check the condiation of your horse before you ride. Most horses are fit and healthy, but some are in poor condition.
If you are looking for information on towns and cities go to our places to visit page.